Whispers of Romance: Grace & Jay’s Dream Destination Elopement at Secret Gardens Miami


When Grace and Jay reached out to us from Jacksonville, Florida, we knew their love story would be something truly special. Their vision? An intimate destination elopement in Miami, surrounded by lush nature, timeless architecture, and the kind of quiet magic that only a place like Secret Gardens Miami can offer.

As experienced luxury wedding photographers in Florida, we’ve photographed across the state—from iconic landmarks to hidden gems—but there’s something uniquely enchanting about the gardens, waterfalls, and serene energy at Secret Gardens Miami. It was the perfect choice for Grace and Jay’s romantic escape.

Elopement ceremony beside the waterfall at Secret Gardens Miami by Miami wedding photographers.
Grace walks through the lush gardens in her wedding gown – a moment captured by South Florida wedding photographers.
Jay waits for his bride in a tropical oasis, photographed by Florida destination wedding photographers.

A Story That Started in St. Augustine


Before we ever set foot in Miami, we had the privilege of photographing Grace and Jay’s engagement session in St. Augustine—a dreamy afternoon spent between the historic elegance of the Lightner Museum and the timeless walls of Castillo de San Marcos National Monument. These locations provided the perfect backdrop for capturing the foundation of their love: graceful, enduring, and rooted in meaningful tradition.

As Florida wedding photographers, we love telling a full story—starting with the engagement session that sets the tone, and continuing all the way through to the vows and celebration.

Grace and Jay walk hand-in-hand through the courtyard of the Lightner Museum, captured by luxury wedding photographers in Florida.
Engagement session under the arched walkways of the Lightner Museum, photographed by Palm Beach wedding photographers.
Romantic portrait beside the reflecting pool at the Lightner Museum, taken by South Florida wedding photographers.
Close-up of the couple smiling in front of the Lightner Museum’s historic architecture, styled by Florida wedding photographers.
Grace twirls in her engagement dress inside the Lightner Museum courtyard, captured by wedding photographers in Florida.
Jay kisses Grace’s forehead near the stone fountain at the Lightner Museum, documented by Florida destination wedding photographers.
Grace and Jay pose against the ancient coquina walls of Castillo de San Marcos, photographed by Treasure Coast wedding photographers.
Engagement session overlooking the bay at Castillo de San Marcos, captured by wedding photographers in South Florida.
Historic engagement portrait on the ramparts of Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, styled by Miami wedding photographers.

Secret Gardens Miami: A Hidden Paradise for Elopements


Nestled in the heart of Miami’s Redlands, Secret Gardens Miami offers a lush, tropical setting that feels like a private paradise. For couples dreaming of a Florida destination wedding, this venue strikes the perfect balance between natural beauty and elegant seclusion.

Grace wore a flowing, modern gown that moved effortlessly with the breeze, while Jay looked effortlessly classic in a light linen suit. The intimate ceremony took place beneath a canopy of tropical foliage, beside cascading waterfalls and swaying palms—pure South Florida magic.

As South Florida wedding photographers, we’re constantly inspired by how Secret Gardens allows couples to feel completely immersed in nature without sacrificing luxury or sophistication. The soft golden light, the sound of trickling water, and the surrounding greenery made every frame feel like a scene from a love story.


Eloping with Intention


Grace and Jay chose to elope not because they wanted less, but because they wanted more—more meaning, more intimacy, and more time together. With no distractions or timelines to follow, they had space to breathe, laugh, cry, and truly soak in the moment. And as Miami wedding photographers, that’s the kind of raw, emotional connection we live to capture.


Why Secret Gardens Miami is a Top Choice for Luxury Elopements


For couples dreaming of an upscale yet intimate celebration, Secret Gardens Miami continues to be one of the most sought-after venues in the region. It offers:

  • A nature-forward, private setting ideal for elopements and small weddings
  • Multiple ceremony sites surrounded by water features and tropical landscapes
  • Versatile backdrops perfect for editorial-style photography

Whether you're planning a celebration in Miami, Palm Beach, or the Treasure Coast, choosing a setting that feels both luxurious and authentic is key, and Secret Gardens delivers on both.

Intimate first look at Secret Gardens Miami by wedding photographers in Florida.
Luxury elopement setup under palm trees, styled for Miami wedding photographers' portfolios.
Bride holding bouquet by the lagoon at Secret Gardens, captured by Florida wedding photographers.
Candid laughter between bride and groom in Secret Gardens, documented by wedding photographers in South Florida.
Bride and groom framed by tropical archways at Secret Gardens Miami, a dream for luxury wedding photographers.
Close-up of wedding rings on tropical leaves, styled by Palm Beach wedding photographers.
Romantic kiss by the water feature at Secret Gardens Miami, taken by Treasure Coast wedding photographers.
Golden hour portrait of bride and groom under banyan trees by South Florida wedding photographers.
Stylized elopement flat lay with tropical details, photographed by Florida destination wedding photographers.
Bride’s gown flowing across stone pathways in the gardens, captured by Miami wedding photographers.
Jay straightens his tie near the koi pond, a timeless moment for Florida wedding photographers.
Grace and Jay say their vows in the garden oasis, captured by luxury wedding photographers in Florida.
Secret Gardens Miami elopement portraits with lush greenery, photographed by wedding photographers in Florida.
Bride and groom seated on stone bench under canopy of trees, taken by wedding photographers in South Florida.
Editorial bridal portrait with tropical florals at Secret Gardens Miami by Palm Beach wedding photographers.

Capturing the Journey: From Engagement to Elopement


As full-service wedding photographers in Florida, our goal is to capture more than just your big day—we aim to document your entire journey. From Grace and Jay’s romantic engagement in St. Augustine to their serene ceremony in Miami, their story was a testament to how powerful intentional love can be.

We’re honored to be trusted by couples across the state and beyond as their chosen Florida destination wedding photographers, offering not just images, but experiences. Whether you're eloping under a banyan tree in Miami or hosting a grand affair in Palm Beach, we’re here to ensure your moments are preserved with elegance and emotion.


Planning Your Dream Elopement in Florida?


Let us help you create and capture a day that feels entirely yours. We’re proud to be trusted luxury wedding photographers, serving couples throughout Miami, South Florida, the Treasure Coast, Palm Beach, and beyond.

Need to see more? You can view more weddings in our wedding portfolio.